About me
Michael Hettwer
Senior DevOps Engineer · Infrastructure Architect · Linux System Administrator
I don't believe in consulting that consists of PowerPoint presentations. I know the problems because I have experienced and solved them operationally myself – in mission-critical environments, under deadline pressure, and with real consequences.
Background
Mid 1990s – 2000s
Early Years: Linux as a Calling
First encounters with Linux before the turn of the millennium. It quickly became clear: This is not just a hobby, but the core of my career. Setting up initial server infrastructures, networks, and automation scripts – the foundation for everything that followed.
2000s – 2010s
Enterprise Experience & Large Environments
Responsibility for complex, mission-critical Linux infrastructures. Administration of environments with several hundred hosts. Introduction of configuration management, monitoring, and structured change processes in organizations that previously did everything manually.
2010s
Automation & Cloud Transition
Infrastructure as Code became the standard in my work: Ansible, Git workflows, early CI/CD pipelines. Accompanying companies in their transition from on-premise to hybrid cloud environments, without impacting ongoing operations.
Today
Freelancer & Consultant
Working as an independent consultant for several years – for DACH companies that need technical depth and reliability. Focus areas: Kubernetes, DevOps transformation, migrations, and NIS2 compliance. Based in Prague and Berlin, available remotely for the entire DACH region.
Technologies & Tools
Operating Systems
- Debian
- AlmaLinux / RHEL
- Ubuntu
- CentOS (Migration)
Automation
- Ansible
- Terraform
- GitOps
- Shell Scripting
Container & Orchestration
- Kubernetes
- Docker
- Helm
- ArgoCD
CI/CD
- GitLab CI
- GitHub Actions
- Jenkins
Monitoring & Observability
- Prometheus
- Grafana
- ELK Stack
- Alertmanager
Security & Compliance
- CIS Benchmarks
- NIS2
- Network Hardening
- PKI/TLS
My Approach
Remote-first, yet personal: I work completely remotely for DACH clients. This means no travel days and no overhead costs – but still direct, reliable communication. I'm accessible, reply promptly, and keep my promises.
Technical Depth: I don't just make recommendations – I implement them or work closely with your team until the solution is production-ready. No handing off concepts without supporting the implementation.
Pragmatism over Perfection: The best infrastructure is the one that's running, maintainable, and doesn't give your team sleepless nights. I solve the concrete problem – not the theoretically optimal one.
Interested in a collaboration?
Get in touch